Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
The Spiritual Exercises were written by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who compiled them into a booklet proposing a path of prayer and meditation based on the Gospels. Born from the saint’s spiritual experience, these exercises are now offered to seekers through retreats.
They invite a profound encounter with Christ through Scripture—not merely hearing or reading God’s Word, but living a transformative meeting with Jesus. This is a powerful experience calling for introspection and conversion.
"The Exercises are surely the best I can conceive, know, and understand in this life, both for a person’s own growth and for the fruit, help, and benefit they can bring to many others."
—St. Ignatius of Loyola
What Are the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius?
St. Ignatius offers a method of prayer and meditation to know Christ deeply and cultivate inner freedom. His work gathers meditations to progressively "exercise" the mind in prayer and reflection. Just as physical training requires discipline, spiritual growth demands practice, progression, and consistency.
These meditations guide participants to walk with Christ while journeying inward, transforming their lives through Jesus’ death and resurrection. They center on Gospel passages (Jesus’ infancy, public ministry, Passion, Resurrection), inviting immersion in Scripture through the senses and the whole being.
Purpose and Audience of the Ignatian Exercises
These exercises are for all seeking a genuine personal encounter with Jesus—welcoming His gaze to transform their lives.
Typically experienced through retreats, participants undertake this inner journey guided by spiritual directors using St. Ignatius’ text. Originally designed for four weeks, they can be adapted to shorter periods (days, a week, 15 days) or experienced through .
In short: anyone—regardless of constraints—can embrace this Ignatian path to God and live more fully as Christians!
"The Exercises are a privileged opportunity God offers humanity to listen to the Holy Spirit and find answers to each person’s unique questions."
—St. John Paul II
Prayer of Surrender by St. Ignatius (Suscipe)
"Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will—
all I have and possess.
You gave it all to me;
to You, Lord, I return it.
Everything is Yours;
dispose of it according to Your will.
Give me Your love and Your grace:
that is enough for me."
With Hozana, Journey Toward Christ with St. Ignatius!
Among Hozana’s many prayer communities offering spiritual guidance in prayer and Scripture meditation, discover two inspired by St. Ignatius:
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